Importation of Firearms

[Ben Rumson]

Lets say I'm on travel to a foreign destination. I go to the local gun store and see a rifle or pistol I wouild like to bring back to the States. What sort of hoops do I need to jump though? ATF forms, Customs? Would a bolt action or revolver be easier then a semi auto or the always feared assault weapon?

[Erik]

I don't know about importing to the US, but I have a pretty good description from a swedish forum of the other way around, importing to a european country from the US.
Short version is that you need to import it to what corresponds to a FFL dealer, and you need all relevant license permits from your local law enforcement/customs.
That also means of course that there aren't any rules against exporting the gun from the country where it is, and importing it to the country where you live.

Then there is certain fees involved, but if you know the route, and are willing to do the paperwork, it will be often be cheaper than buying the same gun locally. From the description I read, it's actually a lot easier than people might think.

I cant see any reason it would be different to the US and from the US to Europe, but I dont know for sure.

[Joe ex PNG]

A co-worker of mine brought his 1911 back from Bolivia- and into about 6 months of paperwork, fees and hassle to get in back. And yes, a very friendly FFL was involved.

Try talking to your local friendly firearms dealer first.

[Aglifter]

The BabyKillers won't allow you to import anything they consider a military weapon -- for awhile, they were trying to prohibit certain mausers. I would think that the Euro dealers would be more familiar w. it. I know to get a trigger from Germany took all kinds of paperwork.